Give Thanks and Praise

2020 is about to check out. I think most of us will not be sad to see it go; it’s been a year! Today I have had one challenge after another, feeling thankful has not been my first thought. The pull to just slow down and start writing has given me some pause as I tell myself that the troubles of the day are not catastrophic. This too shall pass.

2020 has been full of things to be thankful for. Family, friends, new pets, fun adventures, and more time to reflect. My book was published, my family has been healthy, we’ve had work. Opportunities to celebrate have been around every corner, and eye-opening moments have given in to quiet spaces. 2020 has been a year unlike anything I have ever experienced. I’ve praised God for toilet paper, health, and wisdom.

I am sitting in front of my laptop with my open Bible at the side. Psalms 9 with the title “Triumphant Thanks” reminds me that even in a day where I am experiencing challenges, I can still be thankful, triumphantly thankful. King David wrote this Psalm. He writes in verse two “I will jump for joy and shout in triumph as I sing your song and make music for the Most High God.” He is full of delight for God and he wants to show it.

In the verses ahead David remarks on how God continually delivers him. He is connecting this deliverance with his praise for God. “For when you appear, I worship while all of my enemies run in retreat. They stumble and perish before your presence.” Notice he says ALL enemies. Sometimes enemies are very slight. We can’t see them; it’s very hard to recognize them, they silently creep in and BAM, you are going down! This is how I felt today. Then I saw Psalms 9. “They stumble and perish before your presence. For you have stood up for my cause and vindicated me when I needed you the most. From your righteous throne you have given me justice.” verse3-4

I like how God stands up for my cause! I like the truth that God knows my purpose, he knows my story—all the nitty gritty details–and he knows that the timing of life is his timing. He is good all the time. He functions in a place of goodness, joy, peace, and justice. When I am floundering, he reminds me that the victory is won. I am wrapped totally in him and he never fails to see that.

The enemy of discouragement, insignificance, and sadness have knocked at my hearts door all day. God promises that I can count on him to shield me from all enemies and I can put my trust in him and the mercy he abundantly offers. “May everyone who knows your mercy keep putting their trust in you, for they can count on you for help no matter what. O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those who come to you. Listen, everyone! Sing out your praises to God who lives and rules within Zion!” Our problems do not reign forever–God does.

Psalms 9 is the psalm of the Conqueror. It reminds me that when I praise, strongholds are broken and victory rises in my spirit. When I am glad and shout in triumph, I will be glad! My enemies are condemned by God, and God has passed judgment on them; therefore the outcome is nothing short of victory. When my praise and thanks raises to God it makes me stronger and my enemies weaker. “My enemies…perish before your presence!” Isaiah says this:

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 When we praise and thank God for WHO he is, he stands up for our cause!

The time to praise is now! Praise tells others what God has done, and what he has done for me is supernatural. When we praise him through adversity, we are giving him the sacrifice of praise. When we praise and thank him here on earth, his will is being done in and through us. When we are real with him, truly allow him to see our unmasked hearts, we become rooted in praise for him. Our lives are enriched as we praise him, and we are alive in his victory over the enemy. When we praise, we turn the pain and hate into love!

Please like, share, and comment on our posts. What is your favorite way to praise God, and what are you thankful for this November 2020? As David declared “I will” in verses 1-2: Lord, I will worship you with extended hands as my whole heart explodes with praise! I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works and how you marvelous miracles exceed expectations! I will jump for joy and shout in triumph…”

What will you do?

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